Skip advert
Advertisement

In-car vacuum cleaner mini test

We test the new in-car vacuum cleaner from Dyson to find out how it compares to our current best buy

Cleaning up crumbs in your car is simple with a dedicated vacuum cleaner. There’s no need to drag the household vac to your driveway, as the latest handhelds are small enough to be left in the boot for use away from the mains.

Dyson’s updated Animal DC34 has a motorised brush head for picking up pet hair, plus its digital motor claims to spin five times faster than an F1 engine. We put it up against our current favourite: the Halfords 12V Car Vacuum.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Our road test team loves these vacs, and we tested them on cars ahead of a photoshoot. We used them to shift dog hairs from the boot, biscuit crumbs from the driver’s seat and muck from the footwell. Plus, we counted the attachments included and rated suction over a section of carpet. Price was also a factor.

The Dyson’s suction is second to none, plus it’s easy to empty. Battery life is limited, though, and it’s just too pricey. So the Halfords is still best for clearing up on the go. Unlike the Dyson, it’s not cordless, but there’s a long 12-volt cable and it also has three attachments.

Money no object: Dyson DC34 Animal

Price: £179.99

Contact: www.dyson.co.uk

Rating:★★★★

Dyson DC34 Animal

Best buy: Halfords 12V Car Vacuum

Price: £19.99

Contact: www.halfords.com

Rating:★★★★★

Halfords 12V Car Vacuum
Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,840Avg. savings £5,613 off RRP*Used from £11,795
MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £27,005Avg. savings £6,250 off RRP*Used from £9,790
Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £16,175Avg. savings £2,770 off RRP*Used from £7,495
Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £39,045Avg. savings £4,356 off RRP*Used from £10,765
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

PHEV megatest: Britain's 16 favourite plug-in hybrid systems tested
PHEV Megatest headershot

PHEV megatest: Britain's 16 favourite plug-in hybrid systems tested

It’s PHEV boom time. So we tried the systems offered in 59 cars, testing their EV range and efficiency, to reveal the ones you should buy
Car group tests
14 May 2026
New Land Rover Discovery is on track as brand seeks to redefine the model in relation to Defender
Land Rover Discovery badge

New Land Rover Discovery is on track as brand seeks to redefine the model in relation to Defender

The Land Rover Discovery is set for a reboot according to JLR boss P.B Balaji
News
14 May 2026
New Omoda 7 Noble Tech has unique screen that slides right across the car
Omoda 7 - front static

New Omoda 7 Noble Tech has unique screen that slides right across the car

A new top-spec variant of the Omoda 7 has a few functions we’ve not seen before
News
13 May 2026